The AIC Men’s Hockey team looked to start their season with a big win against nationally recognized Army on Friday, October 6. The Yellow Jackets are back with an impressive group of returning players including a big sophomore class expected to have a big season, adding on yet another big class of freshmen.

Army is always a tough group of players, making this opening night a big night for the Yellow Jackets hoping to make a statement. Coming off of a 8-20-8 record last year the Yellow Jackets hope to improve that record and make a serious run into playoffs. Many people on campus were also looking forward to opening night to support their boys and get a look at how they have prepared for the season.

“The Hockey guys are a great bunch guys, and I am really looking forward to seeing them play this season” said senior Will Lewis.

As the game started Army proved to be the tough group of individuals they were expected to be, flying around, playing very physically. They quickly made their mark scoring three goals in the first period. Not worried though, us fans continued to support and root on the Yellow Jackets, knowing from last year that they have the capability to tack on quick goals themselves.

“I heard that AIC had one of the top freshmen recruited classes in the country this year” said John Franks, fellow Yellow Jacket and avid Men’s Hockey fan. This only gives us fans hope that trailing early won’t be a problem moving forward for the Men’s Hockey team.

Going into the second period the Yellow Jackets came out strong flying around showing no fear to their competitors. Army managed to add on another goal making the score 4-0 after two periods. Still this didn’t mean the Yellow Jackets would throw in the towel. If Army could rattle off four goals so could AIC. “The sophomore class for AIC is really strong and they already have a lot of experience from last year so I have no doubt that they will improve as a team this year” said junior Eddie Beattie.

Heading into the final period down four goals The Yellow Jackets still showed no mercy playing equally as physical as Army. Bodies crashed into the glass and tempers flared a few times between opposing teams which is only normal in such physical game.

AIC managed to get on the board with an impressive goal from sophomore Patrick Demel. This sparked the rest of the team and gave hope that this game was not over yet. Fans also became reignited with a sense of pride knowing that the boys on the ice were not just going to roll over.

With Army scoring another goal in the third period, time just wasn’t on the Yellow Jackets’side as the final seconds ticked off of the clock. The final score of the game was 5-1, with Army coming out on top.

However, this was only the first game for AIC against a tough competitor.

This wasn’t going to be a preview of the season. The Yellow Jackets and their fans knew that this was only the beginning of a long journey, and that we must hold our heads high.